.png)
If you're planning to spend Easter 2025 in Madeira, you'll have the opportunity to experience a rich tapestry of religious ceremonies and cultural events that are unique to this beautiful island. Easter in Madeira is celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the island's strong Catholic traditions. This year, Good Friday falls on April 18th, followed by Easter Sunday on April 20th, making it a perfect time to immerse yourself in the local customs and enjoy the vibrant festivities. From solemn processions and traditional rituals to delicious seasonal foods and lively public celebrations, Madeira offers a variety of activities that capture the spirit of Easter in a truly memorable way. Right after Easter, from May 1st to 25th 2025 in Madeira, the flower festival will be on.
Easter Traditions in Madeira
Easter is a deeply significant religious celebration in Madeira, marked by numerous customs and traditions that are observed with great devotion by the predominantly Catholic population. Here are some highlights of the Easter traditions in Madeira:
Holy Thursday:
The Mass of the Lord's Supper is held at the Sé Cathedral, featuring the traditional "washing of feet" ceremony. This year, the Bishop of Funchal, D. António Carrilho, performed the ritual with members of the confraternity "Confraria do Santíssimo," seminarians, and patients from a local health institution.
Good Friday:
The Stations of the Cross are reenacted by local parishioners from Santa Cecilia parish at Pico da Torre in Câmara de Lobos, with participants taking on roles, including someone carrying the Cross and acting out the crucifixion.
In the evening, a large procession known as "O Enterro do Senhor" (The Funeral of Our Lord) takes place, with thousands of Catholics gathering at the Sé Cathedral in Funchal to commemorate the day.
Easter Foods in Madeira:
Folar da Páscoa: A traditional sweet bread flavored with cinnamon and fennel seeds, often baked with one or more cooked eggs placed in the center.
Amêndoas: Colorful, candy-coated almonds that are a popular Easter treat.
Torrões de Açúcar: Sugar-based sweets that come in various flavors such as cocoa, almond, walnut, strawberry, orange, and coconut. These are especially favored during Easter celebrations.
Celebrate the Madeira Flower Festival
Springtime in Madeira is celebrated with the vibrant Flower Festival, held annually after Easter. From May 1st to 25th 2025 in Madeira, the month entirely dedicated to the beauty and fragrance of flowers. This festival is a tribute to the season of rebirth, featuring a colorful celebration of flowers that symbolizes metamorphosis, fertility, and abundance. The festival's floral displays and festivities attract visitors from around the world, highlighting Madeira's reputation as a premier tourist destination.
Where to stay in Madeira or the Festival
Getting There: From Madeira Airport (FNC), take a taxi (~20-25 minutes, €25-€30) or the Aerobus to Funchal center, then walk or taxi to your hotel. All listed hotels are within 1.5 km of the festival’s main areas.
Belmond Reid’s Palace
Location: Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal, Madeira
Distance to Festival Venue: Approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Avenida do Mar and 1.7 km from Praça do Município (10-15 minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride)
Why Stay Here: This iconic 5-star hotel is a luxurious retreat perched on a cliff with stunning Atlantic views, just a short stroll or quick ride from the Flower Festival’s heart. . Guests rave about the elegant rooms, impeccable service, and the famous afternoon tea on the chequerboard terrace.
Price Range: ~€300-€500/night (varies by season)
Best For: Luxury seekers wanting a blend of festival proximity and serene elegance.
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
Location: Avenida do Infante 25, Funchal, Madeira
Distance to Festival Venue: Approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) from Avenida do Mar and 1.2 km from Praça do Município (10-minute walk)
Why Stay Here: A modern 5-star gem in Funchal’s center, Savoy Palace offers a chic stay within walking distance of the Flower Festival’s main events. Its rooftop infinity pool provides panoramic views. Guests love the spacious, stylish rooms (some with private plunge pools) and the fusion dining at Nikkei restaurant.
Price Range: ~€200-€350/night
Best For: Travelers seeking contemporary luxury and easy festival access.
Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino
Location: Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia, Funchal, Madeira
Distance to Festival Venue: Approximately 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from Avenida do Mar and 1 km from Praça do Município (8-10 minute walk)
Why Stay Here: Designed by famed architect Oscar Niemeyer, this 5-star hotel sits just above the harbor, offering stunning views and a prime spot near the Flower Festival’s parade route. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms with balconies and the short walk to Avenida do Mar, where floral floats and music fill the air during the festival.
Price Range: ~€150-€250/night
Best For: Those wanting a mix of modern comfort, scenic views, and festival proximity.
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Location: Rua do Castanheiro 31, Funchal, Madeira
Distance to Festival Venue: Approximately 0.5 km (0.3 miles) from Praça do Município and 0.7 km from Avenida do Mar (5-7 minute walk)
Why Stay Here: Nestled in Funchal’s historic center, this 4-star boutique hotel is formed from five restored buildings, blending old-world charm with modern flair. It’s practically on the doorstep of the Flower Festival’s key sites, including the Wall of Hope ceremony at Praça do Município.
Price Range: ~€120-€200/night
Best For: Boutique lovers and culture enthusiasts wanting to be in the festival’s core.
The Vine Hotel
Location: Rua dos Aranhas 27A, Funchal, Madeira
Distance to Festival Venue: Approximately 0.6 km (0.4 miles) from Praça do Município and 0.8 km from Avenida do Mar (7-10 minute walk)
Why Stay Here: A stylish 5-star hotel in central Funchal, The Vine is known for its sleek design and rooftop infinity pool with 360-degree views—perfect for spotting festival buzz from above. It’s a short walk to the parade routes and flower exhibitions, with the added perk of being near shopping and dining.
Price Range: ~€180-€300/night
Best For: Trendy travelers seeking a vibrant stay close to the festivities.Explore Madeira Throughout the Year
Explore Madeira Throughout the Year
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is a subtropical archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. This island was formed by a volcanic hotspot on the ocean floor and is often called the "Island of Flowers" or "Garden Island" due to its lush, diverse plant life. Winston Churchill once famously referred to Madeira as his "floating garden."
Madeira's April Weather Averages
Madeira enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, characterized by ample sunshine and warm temperatures, which are particularly inviting in April, during the spring season. The island experiences an average of nine hours of sunshine per day in April, a figure that surpasses many other regions in northern and central Europe.
Explore Madeira's Scenic Levada Walks and Hiking Trails
April is an excellent time for hiking in Madeira, as it allows visitors to witness the island's vibrant flora in full bloom. The island is crisscrossed with numerous walking trails, known as "levadas," which lead through some of the most breathtaking and secluded landscapes, including the Laurisilva forest, a remnant of the semi-tropical forest that once covered Madeira before the arrival of Portuguese explorers in 1419. You can also join guided levada walks for a more structured experience.
Discovering Funchal City
Funchal, the capital and largest city of Madeira, is a captivating destination with winding streets that descend the hillsides to meet the azure sea. In Funchal, you can visit the Farmers' Market, just steps from the historic district, where a lively courtyard offers fresh fruits and vegetables daily. As you explore the old town, you'll come across "ArT of opEN doors," a public art initiative that transforms Funchal's old town into a continuous outdoor gallery, showcasing over 200 pieces of art by guest artists.
For a unique perspective of the city, take the cable car up to Monte for just €10 per person—an experience well worth the cost. Don't miss the chance to visit Funchal Cathedral, which boasts significant historical, architectural, and artistic importance. Inside, you'll find the chancel's altarpiece commissioned by King D. Manuel I between 1510 and 1515.
No visit to Funchal would be complete without a stroll along the waterfront, and soccer fans will enjoy the CR7 Museum, dedicated to Madeira-born Cristiano Ronaldo.
Traditional Toboggan Rides in Funchal
For a thrilling experience, try the traditional downhill toboggan ride in a wicker sled—a practice dating back to the 1850s. These unique basket-like carts, once an innovative mode of transport, are guided by runners who steer the sled towards Funchal at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour).
Swim with Dolphins in Madeira
Swimming with dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can enjoy in Madeira. Getting up close with these incredible creatures is unforgettable, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a profound way. You can book this experience in advance.
Explore Madeira Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico da Madeira, is the island's most famous public garden, featuring over 3,000 plant species. This garden showcases a vast collection of exotic plants, native species, and a diversity of flora from around the world, all set against a stunning backdrop overlooking Funchal.
Hiking Madeira's Mountain Peaks
Madeira's mountains reach heights of up to 1,800 meters above sea level. One of the most popular spots is Pico do Arieiro, especially at sunrise, offering breathtaking views. The island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, can only be reached by foot, either via a challenging hike from Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak, or a shorter, easier trail from Achada do Teixeira.
Conclusion
Easter in Madeira is a unique and vibrant celebration that beautifully combines the island's rich cultural traditions with its stunning natural beauty. From the solemn religious ceremonies and lively processions to the array of delicious traditional foods, Easter offers a chance to experience Madeira’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage. Beyond the holiday festivities, Madeira is a year-round destination known for its lush landscapes, scenic hiking trails, charming city of Funchal, and breathtaking mountain views.